There are also many verb patterns which are common in English. When two verbs are used, it is especially important to notice which form the second verb takes (infinitive - to do - base form - do - verb ing - doing).
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Verb Pattern
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Structure
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Examples
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verb infinitive
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This is one of the most common verb combination forms.
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I waited to begin dinner.
They wanted to come to the party.
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verb verb ing
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This is one of the most common verb combination forms.
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They enjoyed listening to the music.
They regretted spending so much time on the project.
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verb verb ing OR verb infinitive - no change in meaning
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Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms without changing the basic meaning of the sentence.
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She started to eat dinner. OR She started eating dinner.
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verb verb ing OR verb infinitive - change in meaning
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Some verbs can combine with other verbs using both forms. However, with these verbs, there is a change in the basic meaning of the sentence.
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They stopped speaking to each other. => They don't speak to each other anymore.
They stopped to speak to each other. => They stopped walking in order to speak to each other.
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verb indirect object direct object
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An indirect object is usually placed before a direct object when a verb takes both an indirect and direct object.
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I bought her a book.
She asked him the question.
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verb object infinitive
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This is the most common form when a verb is followed by both an object and a verb.
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She asked her to find a place to stay.
They instructed them to open the envelope.
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verb object base form (infinitive without 'to')
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This form is used with a few verbs (let, help and make).
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She made her finish her homework.
They let him go to the concert.
He helped him paint the house.
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verb object verb ing
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This form is less common than verb object infinitive.
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I observed them painting the house.
I heard her singing in the living room.
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verb object clause with 'that'
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Use this form for a clause beginning with 'that'.
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She told him that she would worker harder.
He informed him that he was going to resign.
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verb object clause with 'wh-'
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Use this form for a clause beginning with wh- (why, when, where)
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They were instructed where to go.
She told me why she had done it.
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verb object past participle
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This form is often used when someone does something for someone else.
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He had his car washed.
They want the report finished immediately.
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